As I was trying to get behinds the dash gauge cluster, the white plastic completely crumbled in my hands. So...I need to buy a replacement instrument cluster in good condition for a 1976 pinto wagon 2.3. Can anybody help me out? Thanks.
They are hard to come by while still in one piece. I can call a yard here in Idaho tomorrow which has two 74's if it will fit your car. They are a little bit steep on prices, but I will try and get a quote from them. No guarantees that they are still holding up though....
If you can find one intact, I would highly recommend glazing it with PVC cement to hold it together. It should keep some of nature's elements from degrading it as well.
thanks, greatly appreciated. Must be a common problem with those deteriorating. Do you know of any catalogs or websites that specialize in Pinto parts. Seems like one can find them for just about every 60' and 70's cars, but I haven't found any for a Pinto/Bobcat.
There currently are not any catalogs or websites (aside from us) that really pay attention to Pintos/Bobcats only. I have found that rockauto.com as well as 1A Auto seem to have a good combined selection for Pinto parts and restoration things. JC Whitney does too, but they are expensive.
We actually have a thread somewhere here in the forums that lists things we all would like to see done as reproduction units and being available, but gauge cluster plastics have not yet come around to the marketing world.
From what I have learned with my own restoration adventure, patience pays off A LOT in the long run, and I am sure someone will either offer one or know where to obtain one to help you.
I HAVE 2 OF THESE OUT OF PINTO WAGONS.THEY HAVE THE TACH ON ONE SIDE.I NEED ONE W/O THE TACH FOR MY 78 SEDAN.IT HAS THE CRUMBLING PROBLEM AS WELL.I DIDN'T REALIZE HOW UNCOMMON THE NON-TACH CLUSTER IS.LET ME KNOW IF YOU'RE INTERESTED.I THINK THESE ARE PROBABLY 77-78 MODELS.THANKS TOMMYS
I found one brand new wrapped in plastic in it's parts box. Found at Harrold Ford in Sacramento. Been on the shelf for at least 20 years. Dusty!! $112.00
Quote from: TOMMYS on October 24, 2008, 07:54:02 AM
DAVE, I HAVE 2 OF THESE OUT OF PINTO WAGONS.THEY HAVE THE TACH ON ONE SIDE.I NEED ONE W/O THE TACH FOR MY 78 SEDAN.IT HAS THE CRUMBLING PROBLEM AS WELL.I DIDN'T REALIZE HOW UNCOMMON THE NON-TACH CLUSTER IS.LET ME KNOW IF YOU'RE INTERESTED.I THINK THESE ARE PROBABLY 77-78 MODELS.THANKS TOMMYS
It's not so much that the non-tach cluster is uncommon as much as it is that about 99 percent of them in existence are in very, very bad shape. I had a 78 hatchback that I ended up buying a cluster for, junked the car from frame rot & kept the cluster as a spare. It now sits in the dash of my 78 while I am still cleaning bits & pieces of the original cluster out of my dash. I suspect I will be doing that until the day I die or the car dies, whichever comes first.
Quote from: tpembert on October 24, 2008, 02:05:46 AM
As I was trying to get behinds the dash gauge cluster, the white plastic completely crumbled in my hands. So...I need to buy a replacement instrument cluster in good condition for a 1976 pinto wagon 2.3. Can anybody help me out? Thanks.
NOTE TO SELF: I >GOTTA< get these done. Fred gave me samples a few months back, I plan to repro them, I just gotta get off my duff and make it a priority!!
Chris
Put me on your list to buy one from you when you make them. I've got a '77 Pinto as well. I've got two dash lights out and I am afraid to go in there to replace them after what I went through with my '76. I was extremely luck to buy (what was probably the last NOS instrument cluster panel) at a longtime Ford dealer in Sacramento. Even though it was new, I could feel a layer of powder coming off of it.
Hi Popbumper,
Any updates on getting these cluster covers repro'ed? I am new to this forum mainly because I am seeking one for my 78 sedan (no tach model). I would be up for buying one should they get made.
Mine fell apart yeterday after removing the cluster to replace a bad headlight switch. :( I now have the speedo mounted in a small cardboard box... :D I will try the PCV cement trick to see if it gets me a few more miles.
I will introduce myself in just a little bit...
Thanks!
Rob
'78 Pony Sedan
Plano, TX
Rob:
Been working on it, but slowly. Have a few projects going in parallel - dealer A/C panel repro (about 50% done), dash cluster (30%), and dash cap restoration (near complete).
I am in Richardson, if you would like to come by I'd welcome you to take a look at my car and what I am working on. Send me a private email if you would like to get together. In the least, it would be nice to meet some local enthusiasts and share ideas.
Chris
Chris,
It is nice to know there is one more Pinto in the Dallas area - I have not seen one for about 5 years or more (it was an orange one). Mine has been roaming around your area for 30+ years!
I come to realize my cluster is beyond repair - I am thinking about an aluminum framework for right now... :lost:
I look forward to meeting up some day; just let me know when. PM sent...
PM sent in return, looking forward to your call. I have LOTS of projects in the works!
Chris
I have my old one out of my 71 coupe if you can use it its free just pay to ship from Florida . 265171
Just sent you an email